Tuesday, 31 August 2010

The SDC – South Africa convened Civil society meeting held in
Johannesburg this past week took the opportunity to welcome the
growing momentum towards the 7th September Global Day of Action in
Swaziland. After receiving the state of readiness report, it then
identified specific action areas to be tightened in the final days of
the build-up.

These identified specific action areas are;

• The 5th September, 2010 (this coming Sunday) is an international day
of prayer in all churches and religious organisations for democracy in
Swaziland. It is dedicated to the suffering people of Swaziland and
their desire to be free.

• The SDC shall be organising trips to other countries in the SADC
region to organise and mobilise support for the Swazi cause, which
shall be arranged in conjunction with Swazi civil society
organisations to intensify the international campaign for democracy in
Swaziland. In the trips, we shall meet governments, civil society and
other structures in each country;

• Press Conferences, both in South Africa and inside Swaziland shall
be held this Wednesday to inform the world and people about the state
of readiness;

• SDC must write to all civil society organisations calling for their
continuing commitment and effective participation by indicating their
final delegations for the global day of action;

• Wednesday shall be the day for final blitzing on the streets;

• We have secured the support and services of the SouthernAfricanHuman Rights Defenders Trust to work on the case of Thobile Gwebu who is facing difficulties in the UK.

Finally, we took the opportunity to salute the hard work and
dedication of all organisations and people involved in preparing for
the Global Day of Action inside Swaziland. We take note of their
efforts to make every home, church, workplace, school, social and
cultural centre, and every community a site of struggle. The next and
final meeting of Civil society shall be held at the same venue, COSATU
House, this coming Friday (3rd September, 2010), starting at 9am.

The history of Swaziland shall be written before and after the 7th
September 2010.

Thursday, 26 August 2010

Even King Mswati III himself has distanced himself from the comments of Prince Logcogco that the HIV problem in Swaziland has been exaggerated to help benefit drug companies.

Prince Logcogco is chairman of the shady, but powerful Liqoqo council that advises the king.

In a statement to Cable News Network (CNN), the king’s office decried his stance and underscored its commitment to combating the disease.

‘Government wishes to reaffirm to the nation that the HIV and AIDS pandemic is still a national emergency, as declared some years ago by His Majesty,’ the king’s office said.

Prince Logcogco had caused an international outcry with his comments. Swaziland has the highest rate of HIV infection anywhere in the world.

During an interview with the Times of Swaziland, the kingdom’s only independent newspaper, Prince Logcogco said that public awareness campaigns against the disease are scare tactics used by drug companies.

‘This pharmaceutical industry is making a lot of money, and if there was no HIV, there would be a lot of people who would lose business,’ he told the newspaper. ‘What is now happening is that they are making so much exaggeration about HIV/AIDS so that they can keep their businesses afloat.’

CNN reports that King Mswati, who has 14 wives, has also come under fire by activists.

His office said it has started programmes to help combat the disease, including male circumcision and extensive medical research.

Many African countries have undertaken a campaign to promote male circumcision after a study showed it reduces the risk of infection by 60 percent.

‘I therefore request everyone -- especially those in leadership positions ... to give full support to the government position,’ the statement said.

Prince Logcogco also questioned whether male circumcision helps prevent the disease, saying that it was no more effective than bathing after sexual intercourse.

AIDS activists condemned the adviser's statements.

‘It is very irresponsible for a man in his position to say that,’ said Siphiwe Hlophe, director of Swaziland for Positive Living.

‘We have let the prince know that his statement sets a bad example. We have the world's highest rates and he should be using his position to educate the public.’